Introduction: Given the high prevalence of dental fear in children and its role in oral health, this research was conducted to evaluate the relationship between parenting style and dental fear of children. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study conducted in dental clinics in Isfahan in 2017, 130 children aged below 12 years were selected by multistage sampling method among 7 dental clinics in Isfahan. The parenting style was assessed by using Baumrind Parenting Style Questionnaire, completed by parents, and the fear of children was assessed by using CFSS-DS questionnaire and their relationship was determined. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS-24 software and Pearson correlation, One-way ANOVA and independent sample T-test. P <0.05 was considered as a significant level in statistical analysis. Results: The mean of authoritarian, permissive, and assertive parenting styles was 1.46 ± 1. 08, 1.7 ± 1.14, and 3.6 ± 0.97, respectively. The mean score of fear in children was 36.84 ± 16.77. There was a direct and significant correlation between fear and authoritarian parenting style scores (0.54) (p <0.001), a direct and significant correlation between permissive parenting and fear scores (0.22) (p=0.12), and a significant and reverse correlation between fear and assertive parenting style (-0.51) (p <0.001). Conclusion: There is a correlation between child dental fear and parenting, style of parents and the use of assertive parenting style has a positive effect on reducing child fears. In contrast, the authoritarian and permissive parenting styles have a negative effect on children fear and the use of these styles is associated with increased dental fear.
